Cheers to McGillin’s: Philly’s Oldest Tavern

Cheers to McGillin’s: Philly’s Oldest Tavern

McGillin’s Olde Ale House is the oldest continuously operating tavern in Philadelphia and one of the oldest in the country. The historic tavern’s colorful history includes romances, celebrities, ghosts, and a tale of survival through the Civil War, two world wars, Prohibition, a fire, and two pandemics. Opening in 1860—the year Abraham Lincoln was elected—McGillin’s is an iconic Philadelphia institution. This book solidifies the owners’ mission to carefully preserve McGillin’s unique historic legacy by chronicling the most enduring tales of McGillin’s from the late 1800s through today. Cheers to McGillin’s contains many never-before-published photos, along with plenty of great food and drink recipes from its bar and kitchen. Whether in happy times—first dates, marriages, anniversaries, Eagles games—or tragic moments like 9/11 or the bombing of Pearl Harbor, McGillin’s has been there to celebrate and mourn, sharing common experiences with Philadelphians from all walks of life. McGillin’s has been owned by just two families for the past 165 years. The McGillins (an Irish couple who raised their thirteen children upstairs) and their descendants ran the pub for ninety-eight years. Then the Spaniak / Shepaniak / Mullins family took over and have owned the tavern since 1958—three generations and counting. “McGillin’s is a family story, a Philadelphia story, and a national story. The bar’s atmosphere lends itself to convivial experiences and lively memories. I can’t tell you how many important meetings have been held in the barroom and how many deals have been made. But I can say with certainty that when we leave we are all happier than when we arrived.” The Honorable Edward G. Rendell Philadelphia Mayor 1992-2000 Pennsylvania Governor 2003-2011 “McGillin’s is a cherished gem where Philadelphians have gathered for over 165 years to cheer on our sports teams, celebrate Philadelphia’s rich Irish heritage and enjoy a cold beer with friends.” Angela Val President and CEO Visit Philadelphia “McGillin’s oozes history and charm while serving up comfort food and classic drinks. It’s a microcosm of the city - warm, welcoming, and full of friendly Philly “attytood” that celebrates the city’s storied past and authentic urban culture.” Paul Steinke Executive Director Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia “Frankly, I don’t think you’ve really visited Philadelphia until you’ve stopped at McGillin’s.” Robert Picardo Actor ( Star Trek: Voyager ) “The best thing that ever happened to me happened at McGillin’s.” Marie Miller (who met her husband, Bill, at McGillin’s in 1962) Irene Levy Baker is the author of 100 Things To Do In Philadelphia and Unique Eats and Eateries of Philadelphia . She is always hungry for adventures that will surprise and delight her readers. Irene is the owner of Spotlight Public Relations , a public relations firm specializing in restaurants and hospitality. McGillin’s Olde Ale House has been her client through two generations, two decades, and countless icy, cold beers and corned beef Reubens.